Verdantas (formerly Alden Research Laboratory) partnered with Portland General Electric (PGE) to deliver engineering design and construction support for the replacement of Rubber Dam #1 at the Willamette Falls Flow Control Structure in Oregon. The Flow Control Structure plays a critical role in regulating river elevation, managing outflows, and supporting fish passage. When a failure was identified in one of the rubber dams, Verdantas was engaged to develop a solution that would not only address the immediate need but also improve long-term maintainability.

Our team designed a custom, reusable bulkhead system capable of isolating individual bays within the structure, accommodating the varied geometry of each bay. This innovative solution enabled safe and efficient dewatering and replacement of the damaged rubber dam. The bulkhead system was fabricated, field-welded, and installed using barge-mounted equipment, with divers assisting in underwater demolition and alignment. The new rubber dam was installed in coordination with the manufacturer and commissioned successfully in late September 2024.

Throughout the project, Verdantas provided structural engineering, coordinated inspections, and ensured environmental compliance. Quality assurance measures included steel welding and ultrasonic inspections, all of which confirmed compliance with design specifications.

The project restored full operational capacity to the Flow Control Structure and established a repeatable method for future maintenance, enhancing resilience and reliability for PGE’s hydroelectric operations.